FITZSIMMONS, Isaac James
| Service Number: | 5686 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 25 January 1916 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 2nd Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia, 31 May 1889 |
| Home Town: | Mudgee, Mid-Western Regional, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Farmer |
| Died: | Died of wounds, France, 9 August 1918, aged 29 years |
| Cemetery: |
Fouilloy Communal Cemetery, Somme Row B, Grave No. 8. |
| Memorials: | Gulgong and Mudgee District Roll of Honor, Mudgee District Fallen Soldiers Memorial |
World War 1 Service
| 25 Jan 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 5686, 2nd Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Jun 1916: | Involvement Private, 5686, 2nd Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '7' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Kyarra embarkation_ship_number: A55 public_note: '' | |
| 3 Jun 1916: | Embarked Private, 5686, 2nd Infantry Battalion, HMAT Kyarra, Sydney |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Stephen Brooks
Isaac James Fitzsimmons was the son of Isaac and Lucy Olivia Fitzsimmons of Mudgee, New South Wales. He enlisted at Lithgow, New South Wales on the same day as his younger brother, Leslie George Fitzsimmons, on 25 January 1916. They joined the 2nd Battalion AIF and were given consecutive regimental numbers of 5685 and 5686.
Both brothers died in France during the war. The Commonwealth War Graves and the Australian War Memorial have their names recorded as Fitzsimons but both seemed to sign their name as Fitzsimmons. In fact, it was pointed out to the Imperial War Graves Commission in 1930 that their surname should read ‘Fitzsimmons’. Leslie George was also known as ‘George’ to his family and friends, and his brother, Isaac James, was known as ‘James’ to his family and friends.
Isaac’s younger brother, 5685 Pte. Leslie George Fitzsimmons 2nd Battalion AIF, was killed in action on Christmas Day 1916, at 19 years of age.
Unfortunately, it was reported to the parents that it was Isaac that was killed in action and it took some time before the news was corrected. The Mudgee Guardian reported during March 1917, under the heading, ‘Two Soldier Heroes.’
THE WRONG BROTHER REPORTED KILLED.
"The Rev. Canon Dunstan, of Mudgee, has received the following telegrams from Colonel Luscombe, Victoria Barracks, Sydney: — "Base Records 20 officially reported that No. 5685, Private L. G. Fitzsimmons, 29th Battalion, killed in action 25th December. Please inform father, Mr. I. Fitzsimmons, Queen's Pinch, Mudgee, and convey deep regret and sympathy of their Majesties the King and Queen and Commonwealth Government in the loss that he and the army have sustained by death of soldier."
"With reference to my wire of even date relative to death of Fitzsimmons 5685, L. G. Fitzsimmons, 2nd Battalion, also my wire of 15th January, reporting death of 5686, I. J. Fitzsimmons, London office now advises that report re 5686 I. J. Fitzsimmons, incorrect. He is now reported not killed." From the above it will be seen that it was No. 5685, Private L. G. Fitzsimmons, and not 5686, Private I. J. Fitzsimmons, who was killed in action on December 25. The "Guardian" associates itself with the great and wide-spread sympathy that will be felt with Mr. and Mrs. Fitzsimmons in the loss they have sustained by the death of their brave soldier son."
Isaac James Fitzsimmons served throughout 1916 and 1917 before being slightly gassed during March 1918. He rejoined the 2nd Battalion in June 1918 and was mortally wounded by shrapnel in the thigh on 9 August 1918. He died the same day in the 13th Australian Field Ambulance.
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